Rehabilitation fitness and exercise system

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of bands. Each band has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to attach to a secure object. The apparatus includes a seat that has a first attachment end and a second attachment end. Each attachment end is selectively attachable to the second end of each band so as to vary a resistance between the secure object and the seat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/441,877 entitled “REHABILITATION FITNESS AND EXERCISE SYSTEM”filed Jan. 3, 2017, and hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus. More specifically,the present invention relates to systems and techniques for exercisingusing resistance bands and other such devices.

BACKGROUND

In the fitness industry, a plethora of machines and devices have beenused to facilitate muscular development, body health, and overallfitness. While more expensive and sophisticated machines are common inschools, gyms and health clubs, a need has existed in the art for lessexpensive alternatives for use in these environments and in the home.One such alternative is the resistance band.

Resistance bands provide an inexpensive yet effective exercisealternative with resistance based on body weight and angle, a variety ofexercise options and a relatively extensive range of motion. Inaddition, resistance bands are portable, lightweight and easy to set up.

Resistance bands usually have a length of woven nylon or other flexiblematerial terminated at each end with a plastic grip. The grip istypically a plastic tube or a foam covered strap. Many exercises requirea user to grip the plastic tube with a hand or insert a foot into thestrap.

Inasmuch as the typical simple tubular plastic grip or foam coveredstrap is uncomfortable and ineffective in holding ones extremities inmany exercise positions, an open loop, sling or handle puts a tremendousamount of pressure on the joints when used to support one's bodyweight,and in many cases, may cause injury to joints. This is particularlyproblematic with people having weaker joints or a weak grip. If a personhas a weak joint, it further exposes them to injuries, especially injuryto the elbow, ankle or knee joints. Whether it's TRX®, training straps,or elastic bands, the user must depend on either the wrist or anklejoint to support and stabilize their bodyweight. Hence, excessivepressure is often placed on the joints in reliance on them for supportand stabilization.

Accordingly, a need exists in the art for an improved resistance banddesign that offers the advantages of conventional resistance bands withan improved body weight support implementation.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scopeof the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of whichis solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein.Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominentfeatures are described herein.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note thatthe relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn toscale.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an exercise apparatuscomprising a plurality of bands. Each band has a first end and a secondend. The first end is configured to attach to a secure object. Theapparatus further comprises a seat having a first attachment end and asecond attachment end. Each attachment end is selectively attachable tothe second end of each band so as to vary a resistance between thesecure object and the seat.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a plurality of bands forsupporting a seat of an exercise apparatus. Each band of the pluralityof bands comprises a first end and a second end. The first end isconfigured to be supported by a secure object and the second end isconfigured to selectively be supported by the seat so as to vary aresistance between the secure object and the seat.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an exercise apparatuscomprising a pair of a plurality of bands. Each pair of the plurality ofbands is at least partially covered by a sleeve. The sleeve has anopening to allow a user to access the plurality of bands within therespective sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a seat having a firstend and a second end. The first end is configured to be supported by onepair of the plurality of bands relative to a secure object. The secondend is configured to be supported by the other pair of the plurality ofbands relative to the secure object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary grouping of resistance bands that havedifferent tensions.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seat or sling suspended between twopoints for use with the resistance bands of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a collection of exemplary components including theresistance bands from FIG. 1, the seat or sling from FIG. 2, and sleevesprior to assembly into a rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 4A illustrates an interim assembly step showing one or more of theresistance bands from FIG. 3 disposed within an open sleeve from FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates an end of the sleeve from FIG. 4A that is closest tothe overhead assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates the seat or sling, selected resistance bands, andsleeves in an assembled configuration forming the rehabilitation fitnessand exercise system.

FIG. 6A illustrates a first position in an example method of performinga push-up using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercisesystem.

FIG. 6B illustrates a second position in the example method ofperforming a push-up from FIG. 6A using the assembled rehabilitationfitness and exercise system.

FIG. 7A illustrates a first position in an example method of performinga squat using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 7B illustrates a second position in the example method ofperforming a squat from FIG. 7A using the assembled rehabilitationfitness and exercise system.

FIG. 8A illustrates a first position in an example method of performinga pull-up using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercisesystem.

FIG. 8B illustrates a second position in an example method of performinga pull-up from FIG. 8A using the assembled rehabilitation fitness andexercise system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of four bands 100 assembled to be usedindividually or as a group. Each band 100 may include a resistance band105. Each end of the resistance band 105 is connected to a webbing 120.Each end connection can include a grommet 110 for securing theresistance band 105 to the webbing 120. The end of each band 100 mayinclude a shackle, a metal loop, or other fastener 115. For example, theend of each band 100 may include a carabiner 115. The carabiner 115 maybe metal and include a spring loaded gate. The carabiner 115 allows forquickly and reversibly connecting components.

Each resistance band 105 may be formed of a resilient flexible material.For example, the resistance bands 105 may include a polymer materialsuch as rubber (e.g., latex or other natural or synthetic polymermaterial), silicone, or nitrile. Each resistance band 105 may becalibrated to support a specific weight and/or to offer a specificresistance. For example, each resistance band 105 may be calibrated tooffer varying resistances (e.g., 50 lbs, 40 lbs, 20 lbs, and 10 lbs)enabling a user to combine a variety of different bands 100 to performdifferent exercises and to adjust the tension/resistance and intensityof the exercises. The example resistances provided are not intended tobe limiting, as each resistance band 105 may include a resistanceselected from a wide range of values. In one implementation, thecombined resistances of the bands 100 may support the bodyweight of theuser, thereby generating a “negative resistance” so that less than theentire bodyweight of the user resists exercise movements of the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seat 205 for supporting the user'sbodyweight during exercise. In certain embodiments, the seat 205 mayinclude a cushion material such as foam or cloth, for example, in orderto absorb the impact from the user's bodyweight against the seat 205.The cushion material may be releasably attached to the seat 205. Theseat 205 may have a smooth or textured surface made from a flexible,resilient material such as cloth, rubber, mesh, elastic, plastic, orleather, for example. In certain embodiments, the seat 205 is made froma material that is easily cleaned after use. The seat 205 is capable ofconforming to the user, and providing stability to the body of the userwhen the user is supported by the seat 205.

Each end of the seat 205 may include a support 210. The support 210 maybe a shackle, a loop, or other structure configured to couple with acorresponding engagement in order to support the seat 205. For example,the carabiner 115 of each band 100 may be releasably attached to thesupport 210 of the seat 205. The support 210 may be attached to the seat205 using any material with a high tensile strength. For example,Kevlar, Dacron, Nomex, and Nylon. In certain embodiments, a first end ofthe support 210 is fixed to the seat 205 with a second end of thesupport 210 configured to releasably receive the carabiners 115 of thebands 100.

The seat 205 may generally have a U-shape when the system is assembled.In certain embodiments, the legs of the U-shape (i.e., end portions ofthe seat 205) are made from a rigid material while the web connectingthe legs (i.e., center portion of the seat 205) is made from a clothmaterial. The legs may provide a connection point for the one or morecarabiners 115 that is spaced from the center portion of the seat 205 soas to inhibit contact between the bands 100 and a user's midsection.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an exercise system 300 in adisassembled state. The exercise system 300 may include at least twogroups of bands 100 that incorporate a variety of resistance bands 105and the seat 205. In certain embodiments, the exercise system furtherincludes one or more sleeves 310 to cover and organize the selectedbands 100 for each side of the exercise system 300 when assembled.

Each sleeve 310 is configured to at least partially cover and organizethe bands 100 selected for each side of the exercise system 300. Incertain embodiments, the sleeve 310 has a tubular open ended shape. Incertain embodiments, the sleeve 310 is made from a flexible material orrigid material. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 is made from aresilient, flexible material such as polyester, for example. In certainembodiments, the sleeve is made from a plastic or other rigid structure.Thus, it is understood that other materials can be used as desired.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 may include a zipper or Velcrothat runs the length of the sleeve 310 so that the sleeve 310 can beopened to add and/or remove bands 100 from the sleeve 310 or remove thesleeve 310 from the exercise system 300. For example, the sleeve 310 maybe removed from the exercise system 300 to facilitate the change ofbands 100 selected for use with the exercise system 300. In certainembodiments, the length of the sleeve 310 is selected so that the usercan access one or both ends of the band 100 to attach the end to theseat 205 or a secure object, such as an overhead assembly, withoutremoving the sleeve 310.

Each sleeve 310 may include one or more attachment elements 305. Incertain embodiments, the attachment elements 305 are disposed at eitherend of the sleeve 310. In certain embodiments, the one or moreattachment elements 305 attach to the open-ends of the sleeve 310. Theattachment elements 305 may include a material such as metal, forexample, capable of withstanding the body weight of the user when theexercise system 300 is in use. Of course, other materials may also beused.

In certain embodiments, the attachment elements 305 comprise carabiners355 or other fasteners. The attachment elements 305 are capable ofreleasably connecting to both the support 210 of the seat 205 on one endand an overhead assembly (not shown) on the other end.

In certain embodiments, the one or more attachment elements 305 are partof the sleeve 310 or can be a separate structure that is attachable tothe sleeve 310. For example, the sleeve 310 illustrated in FIG. 3includes the attachment element 305 nearest to the seat 205 while theattachment element 305 nearest to the overhead assembly is a separatestructure from the sleeve 310. In the illustrated embodiment, theattachment element 305 nearest to the overhead assembly forms a separateassembly with a strap 360.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 310 comprises a buckle 350configured to releasably secure the strap 360 thereby securing theattachment element 305 relative to the sleeve 310. The length of thestrap 360 is adjusted to allow a user to increase or decrease thedistance of the sleeve 310 and/or seat 205 relative to the overheadassembly or floor. For example, by adjusting the length of the strap 360between the buckle 350 and the attachment element 305, the user mayadjust the height of the seat 205 relative to the floor.

It will be understood that the seat 205 may be inflexibly supported tothe overhead assembly by the sleeve 310 when the attachment elements 305nearest to the seat 205 are attached to the seat 205. In this way, theuser is supported inflexibly at a certain height above the floor. Thisconfiguration may be advantageous for the user to become familiar withthe exercise system 300 or for performing exercises where it isdesirable to maintain a fixed distance between the seat 205 and thefloor. Of course, once the attachment elements 305 nearest to the seat205 are disengaged from the seat 205, the bands 100 connected to theseat 205 will then flexibly support the user.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 includes more than one buckle 350disposed at different locations on the sleeve 310. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, the buckle 350 is disposed at an end of thesleeve 310 nearest to the overhead assembly.

In certain embodiments, the buckle 350 is disposed at an end of thesleeve 310 nearest to the seat 205. In such an embodiment, the buckle350 can releasably secure the strap 360 thereby securing the attachmentelement 305 relative to the sleeve 310. The seat 205 can then be securedto the attachment member 305.

Each sleeve 310 may include one or more elements or rings 325. Incertain embodiments, each ring 325 is metal and has a 2 inch diameter.Of course the ring 325 is not limited to a specific material, size, orshape.

In certain embodiments, the ring 325 is disposed inside the sleeve 310.In certain embodiments, the ring 325 is fixed to the sleeve 325. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the ring 325 is sewn into a webbingspline. In certain embodiments, the webbing spline runs along a lengthof the sleeve 310. In certain embodiments, the spline is on an innersurface of the sleeve 325 and further connects to the buckle 350 at anend of the sleeve 310 nearest to the overhead assembly. In certainembodiments, an end of the attachment member 305 nearest to the seat 205is sewn into the spline.

The one or more rings 325 may be disposed and secured inside the sleeve310. The metal carabiner 115 of each band 100 may be selectivelyattached to one or more of the rings 325. The one or more rings 325 mayvary in number, and in diameter and thickness, but in one exemplaryembodiment, each sleeve 310 may include three rings 325 on an outersurface of the sleeve 310 and one ring on an inner surface of the sleeve310.

In certain embodiments, ends of the bands 100 pass through and out ofthe sleeve 310 to connect directly to the overhead assembly via thecarabiners 115. In certain embodiments, ends of the bands 100 passthrough and out of the sleeve 310 to connect to the seat 205 (e.g.,carabiner 115 may connect to support 210). Thus, in certain embodiments,the sleeve 310 may or may not be a load bearing member between the seat205 and the overhead assembly. In some embodiments the carabiner 115 maybe attached to the metal ring 325 in the sleeve 310, and the sleeve maybe attached to the overhead assembly and/or the seat 205 via theattachment elements 305.

The attachment elements 305 may be connected to the sleeves 310 usingthe spline that runs the length of the sleeve 310. In one example, thespline includes a fabric such as woven cloth, nylon, or Kevlar, forexample. The spline may include the attachment elements 305 on eachopen-ended side of the sleeves 310. In this configuration, the splinecan connect one end of the sleeve 310 to a stable component and supporta user on the seat 205 attached to the other end of the sleeve 310. Eachsleeve 310 may also include a number of attachments elements 305 andsplines on the outer surface of the sleeve 310 to accommodate simpleattachment and removal of peripheral attachments. For example, the usermay attach an exercise handle or exercise bar 330 to the outer surfaceof the sleeve 310 to facilitate comfortable grip. In certainembodiments, the exercise handle 330 may be attached to an end of theband 100.

Still referring to FIG. 3, each sleeve 310 may include one or morehandles 330. The handle 330 may extend substantially linear from anupper edge of the sleeve 310 to a bottom edge of the sleeve 310, therebyfacilitating ergonomic utility of each sleeve 310. In one example, eachsleeve 310 may include a consecutive number of handles runningvertically up the sleeve 310 to support users of different height. Eachhandle 330 may include a hand grip enabling the user to firmly grasp thehandle 330 with the hand during specific modes of exercise. The handgrip may include a textured layer to facilitate stable grip of thehandle 330. The handle 330 may be a hollow, rigid element such as a PVCpipe, for example. Other rigid materials such as alternative types ofplastic or metal may also be used to form the handle 330. In otherembodiments, the handle 330 is not hollow. The handle 330 may have aslight curvature or arch along a length of the handle that correspondsto the curvature of the user's hands. The curvature allows for the userto maintain a comfortable and stable grip of the handle 330 while theexercise system 300 is in use. In one embodiment, each handle 330 may beattached to an adjustable length strap of material attached to thesleeve 310 to allow a user to modify the position of the handle 330 forperforming different workouts. In one example, the material may bepolypropylene, polyester, or nylon, woven in a webbing pattern. Theexample materials provided are not intended to be limiting, as eachadjustable length strap may include any material or blend of materials.

Still referring to FIG. 3, each sleeve 310 may include one or more metalrings 340. The one or more metal rings 340 may be attached to theoutside of the sleeve 310 for attaching additional handles or otherperipheral workout equipment. The one or more metal rings 340 may varyin number and in diameter and thickness, but in one example embodiment,each sleeve 310 may include three metal rings 340 attached to theoutside of the sleeve 310, and each metal ring 340 may have a 1 inchdiameter.

In certain embodiments, the handle 330 connects to the overheadassembly, a carabiner or fastener (not shown) connected to the overheadassembly, an end of the band 100, and/or the sleeve 310.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example implementation of the bands 100 and thesleeve 310. The ring 325 at the upper end of the sleeve 310 may attachto the carabiner 115 of a variety of bands 100. The sleeve 310 maysurround the bands 100 to provide protection to the user and organizethe bands 100. For example, the sleeve 310 can prevent a broken band 100from contacting or injuring the user. The zipper of the sleeve 310 mayalso provide the user with an easily accessible way to add or remove oneor more bands 100 from the exercise system 300.

FIG. 4B illustrates an end of the sleeve 310 from FIG. 4A that isclosest to the overhead assembly. In FIG. 4B, the sleeve 310 has beenpulled in a downward direction to expose the ring 325. The ring 325 andthe buckle 350 may be attached to the sleeve 310, for instance, by wayof a double folded box-stitch. FIG. 4B illustrates the sleeve 310 withthe length of the strap 360 removed from the buckle 350. As describedabove with reference to FIG. 3, the buckle 350 and strap 360 may be usedto adjust the height of the sleeve 310 and/or the seat 205 relative tothe overhead assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an assembled exercise system 300. Theexercise system 300 may include two sleeves 310 containing a pluralityof bands 100 in each sleeve 310. The support 210 of the seat 205 may beconnected to either of the bottom edge sleeve attachment element 305 orthe bottom end of any of the one or more bands 100, on each side. Theattachment elements 305 at the upper edges of both sleeves 310 mayconnect to a secure object of the overhead assembly (not shown), forexample a ceiling beam, a door, a door frame, a wall, or other secure,substantially rigid object. The upper edges of both sleeves 310 mayconnect to the secure object a distance apart from each other so thatthe user may rest on the seat 205 without interference from otherelements of the exercise system 300. The carabiners 115 at the top endof the bands 100 may also connect to the secure object, or in certainembodiments, to a second attachment element of the upper end of thesleeves 310 (e.g., metal rings 325).

Once the exercise system 300 is adequately secured, the user may sit orlean into the seat 205 with a front midsection, a back midsection, or aside midsection. In certain embodiments, the user may use their hands tograsp the handles 330 for support. The user then performs exercisesand/or stretches such as cobra stretches, back extensions, pull-ups,push-ups, and squats. The exercise system 300 is also configured topermit three dynamic modes of exercise, i.e., passive motion, assistedactive motion, and independent active motion.

The user may vary the complexity and difficulty of the exercises andstretches by altering an angle at which the user stands relative to afloor and thereby altering the amount of the body weight of the useragainst which the user is working. Additionally, the user may alter thenumber of bands 100 in each sleeve 310 to increase negative resistanceand/or body weight support.

The above-described exercise system 300 has several advantages. First,unlike other suspension trainers, the exercise system 300 provides ameans for upper body and midsection exercises and stretches for the userwho is unable to support their own bodyweight. Such exercises arebeneficial for rehabilitation and strengthening of weak muscle groups.The exercise system 300 is further configured to allow the user toadjust the height of the seat 205 and the resistive strength of thebands 100. Accordingly, exercises and stretches such as back extensionsand cobra stretches, for example, may be performed. Additionally, theexercise system 300 is versatile in that it may be used with othersuspension trainers by connecting the attachment elements 305 and bands100 to the other suspension exercise assemblies.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a first or starting position and a second orending position, respectively, for a push-up exercise using the exercisesystem 300. This exercise offers a rehabilitative range of motionexercise of joints associated with the elbows and shoulders, and chestand arm muscles. To operate the exercise system 300 in this manner, theuser's midsection is laid over the seat 205 such that the bands 100 pullthe seat 205 to fit the form of the user midsection. With toes and handpalms on the ground, the body is suspended in balanced isolation betweenthe bands 100, from which the user may actively push up to raise thebody and activate various muscle groups. For the independent activemotion mode of exercise, the user drives the body upward using chest andarm muscles, and slowly releasing muscle tension to return to thestarting position. Accordingly, the seat 205 is organically connected tothe user's midsection, enabling the seat 205 to intrinsically align withthe anatomical structure of the midsection without requiring strict seat205 alignment or fastener adjustment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a first or starting position and a second orending position, respectively, for a squat exercise using the exercisesystem 300. This exercise offers a rehabilitative range of motionexercise of joints associated with the ankles, knees, and hips, as wellas leg and backside muscles. To operate the exercise system 300 in thismanner, the user sits in the seat 205 such that the bands 100 pull theseat 205 to fit the form of the user's backside. With feet planted flaton the ground, the user is suspended in a seated position (startingposition) from which the user may push (i.e., stand) up. For the passivemotion mode of exercise, the user grips the handles 330 with at leastone hand. Applying the users own upper body muscles, the useralternately raises and lowers the users body to achieve alternatepassive flexion and extension exercise of the knee and hip jointsthrough the desired range of motion. The same process may also be usedto achieve a passive motion mode of exercise of the arms and shoulders.For example, the user may grip the handles 330 with each hand whiledriving the body upward with the legs to cause pivotal motion in theshoulders and elbows. The same procedure is repeated for the assistedactive motion mode of exercise, but the user partially drives upward toa standing or near standing position using the leg muscles, augmentingthe drive applied by the upper body muscles to exercise the knee or hipjoint through the desired range of motion. For the independent activemotion mode of exercise, the user releases the grip on the rotation barentirely and drives upward in a standing or near standing positionsolely using the user's leg muscles.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a first or starting position and a second orending position, respectively, for a pull-up exercise using the exercisesystem 300. This exercise offers a rehabilitative range of motionexercise of joints associated with the shoulders and elbows, as well asback and arm muscles. To operate the exercise system 300 in this manner,the midsection of the user's backside is laid over the seat 205 suchthat the bands 100 pull the seat 205 to fit the form of the user. Withlegs extended out, feet on the ground, and hands gripping the handles330, the body is suspended in balanced isolation between the weightbands 100, from which the user may actively pull up to raise the bodyand activate various muscle groups.

Although the foregoing has been described in connection with variousdifferent embodiments, features or elements from one embodiment may becombined with other embodiments without departing from the teachings ofthis disclosure. However, the combinations of features between therespective embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto. Variousembodiments of the disclosure have been described. These and otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a plurality ofbands, each band having a first end and a second end, the first endbeing configured to attach to a secure object; and a seat comprising afirst attachment end and a second attachment end, each attachment end isselectively attachable to the second end of each band so as to vary aresistance between the secure object and the seat.
 2. The exerciseapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sleeves, eachsleeve covering at least a portion of each band of the plurality ofbands.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality ofsleeves comprise the secure object.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim2, wherein the plurality of sleeves include an opening configured toallow a user to access the plurality of bands within the sleeve.
 5. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secure object is a carabiner,the carabiner being configured to further be supported by an overheadassembly.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising ahandle, the handle being attached to the secure object via a strap. 7.The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secure object is anoverhead assembly.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachband of the plurality of bands comprises a polymer material.
 9. Theexercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the polymer material is rubber.10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bandsare calibrated.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein at leastone of the plurality of bands is calibrated to provide a differentresistance than at least another one of the plurality of bands.
 12. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands hasresistances of 50 lbs, 40 lbs, 20 lbs, and 10 lbs.
 13. The exerciseapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cushion, the cushion beingattachable to and removable relative to the seat.
 14. The exerciseapparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a center portion andend portions, the ends portions being more rigid than the centerportion.
 15. A plurality of bands for supporting a seat of an exerciseapparatus, each band of the plurality of bands comprising a first endand a second end, the first end being configured to be supported by asecure object and the second end being configured to selectively besupported by the seat so as to vary a resistance between the secureobject and the seat.
 16. The plurality of bands of claim 15, furthercomprising a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve covering at least aportion of each band of the plurality of bands.
 17. The plurality ofbands of claim 16, wherein the plurality of sleeves comprise the secureobject.
 18. The plurality of bands of claim 16, wherein the plurality ofsleeves include an opening configured to allow a user to access theplurality of bands within the sleeve.
 19. The plurality of bands ofclaim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of bands is calibratedto provide a different resistance than at least another one of theplurality of bands.
 20. An exercise apparatus comprising: a pair of aplurality of bands, each pair of the plurality of bands being at leastpartially covered by a sleeve, the sleeve having an opening to allow auser to access the plurality of bands within the respective sleeve; anda seat having a first end and a second end, the first end beingconfigured to be supported by one pair of the plurality of bandsrelative to a secure object, the second end being configured to besupported by the other pair of the plurality of bands relative to thesecure object.